Yahoo Appoints Ross Levinsohn as New EVP of Americas

Yesterday’s rumors are today’s news and in this case the news is that Yahoo has hired former News Corp exec, Ross Levinsohn. He is replacing Hillary Schneider who joined the ranks of this unfortunate list earlier in the month. That means Ross Levinsohn is the new EVP of the Americas region, arguably Yahoo’s most important as it covers all of their advertising and media properties.

Levinsohn was hired directly by CEO Carol Bartz for his extensive expertise in digital media. Though he will report directly to her, he won’t be moving to Sunnyvale and instead will work out of their Santa Monica offices. Who knows, maybe he can make some magic happen for Yahoo in Q4?

Here is the official press release:

Yahoo! Appoints Ross Levinsohn as Executive Vice President of Americas

SUNNYVALE, Calif., October 27, 2010-Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO) announced today that the company has appointed Ross Levinsohn as executive vice president of the Americas region. As one of the direct reports of CEO Carol Bartz, Levinsohn will join the executive staff of Yahoo! in November and will be responsible for the company’s media group, advertising sales, and partnerships for the Americas region.

“Ross has a phenomenal track record of executing digital media strategies that increase user engagement and, most importantly, accelerate topline growth,” said Bartz. “I am confident that Ross’s strategic vision, in addition to his deep industry experience, will allow us to solidify our position as the largest digital media, content and communications business around the globe.”

Levinsohn has long been on the forefront of digital media innovation. Prior to joining Yahoo!, he was the co-founder and managing director of Fuse Capital, an investment and strategic equity management firm focused on investing in and building digital media and communications companies. Levinsohn previously served as the president of News Corporation’s Fox Interactive Media, where he was responsible for running the day-to-day business, designing the overall strategy and leading investments that helped transform the company into a leader in digital media.

Levinsohn also held senior management positions with AltaVista, an early pioneer and leader in search, CBS Sportsline where he oversaw all content and development for the top rated sports site, and HBO where he launched and oversaw a unit developing new programming and revenue streams.

“Yahoo! is one of the premier Internet companies in the world,” said Levinsohn. “Having this opportunity to work with a group of immensely talented people to enhance Yahoo!’s leadership position is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”